Archuleta Creek Proposed Research Natural Area

Two proposed adjacent Research Natural Areas at the lowest elevations (6,300 feet) in the San Juans are combined into the Archuleta Creek RNA. Archuleta Creek and Deep Canyon contain the largest acreages of ponderosa pine, piñon-juniper and Douglas-fir found on any potential research area in the San Juans. Sand and shale barrens support unique assemblages of plants. High quality and diverse understory grasslands are also present. The area is not readily accessible to public recreation use due to Southern Ute Tribal lands.